The UK Government has pledged £20M for landmine clearance within the Falkland Islands, an announcement welcomed by the Falklands Government.
The project will see thousands of landmines cleared in a new £20M phase of demining work, thus making safe dozens of areas of the islands which have been unusable for residents and visitors.
Michael Poole, Member of the Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly commented: “Falkland Islanders are grateful for the mine clearance work carried out by the UK Government in recent years. This work has opened up historically and valuable tracts of land which has been out of bounds since 1982.
“This further commitment by the UK to clearing more of the Falkland Islands of mines is a welcome move and we remain willing to assist practically and logistically where we can.”
More than 30 minefields have been cleared in recent years by expert teams, with this latest phase due to clear some 46 areas over the next two years. Surveys will also be carried out over another 27 areas that will be cleared within a future phase.
Under the Ottawa Treaty, which sets out a worldwide pledge approach to landmine removal, the UK is working towards fully clearing landmines within its territories.
With exact numbers of landmines on the Falkland Islands undetermined, this project will also explore the extent of further minefields in the territory.
Minister for the Armed Forces Mike Penning said: “The important de-mining work taking place is a fundamental part of our efforts to free the Falklands from this hazard. This additional £20m takes us a step closer to meeting our international obligations to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, and is another example of UK investment in the Falklands.”
Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister Alan Duncan said: “I welcome the news that both residents and visitors to the Falkland Islands will soon be able to go safely into areas which have been out of bounds for decades. Landmines have been a long-lasting and unwanted legacy of the 1982 conflict and the UK continues to be committed to removing them.”
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